Chapter 2: Reunion
"Mom...mom, please, hang on..."
"Lu...cas...Cl...aus..."
"Mom, don't speak! Just stay strong!"
"...Ah..."
"Mom...Mom? Mom!"
"Move, move! Get her on here!"
"Come on, Mom!"
"She's set, go, go, go!"
"Lucas?"
"No...no...Mom..."
...
"Lucas?!"
"Stop! Drop that knife right now!"
"NO! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"Lucas!"
"Nnn!"
"Get a hold of yourself!"
"We need to get him to the hospital too. Come on—"
"NO, GO AWAY! I WANT MY MOM! I want my Mom...I..."
...
...
...
"...Huh?"
When I woke up, I met a faint blue in the sky. Then, I saw a small building in front of us. Its purpose was for rest stops.
I took another look around. A nearby road sign alerted me. It said, "Onett: 50 miles away."
I sat up and stretched my body as much as I could. No other vehicle or person was nearby; it was just Claus and myself in this resting area. The first thing I remember was falling asleep around eight or nine in the night. I checked my cellphone's time, reading 7 A.M.
Claus was in his seat, comfortable in his plush pillow and under a fuzzy blanket. As I watched him, he began tilting his head too much to the right. I pushed him with little force to bring him back up-straight, but he woke up seconds later.
"Nn..." He rubbed his eyes open and made a loud groan as he stretched. I giggled at his silliness.
"What're you laughin' at?" Claus responded.
"Nothing," I said.
The moment was silent for a little while. I flipped through my phone's previous text messages to Ness, the recent ones from last night.
It began with, "Hey Lukey :)"
"Hi Ness ^-^"
"U busy?"
"Yea...studying for a test soon."
"Aw, okay, ill leave u alone 4 now."
"Noooo, its ok. Im fine."
"I dont wanna be responsible for you failing that test ;)"
"its fine, its no big deal ^-^"
"you can talk to me tomorrow, no worries."
"aw ok...i'll ttyl."
"g'night Luke :) *kiss*"
"g'night Ness~ *kisses back*"
Ah, the wonders of texting.
"We're almost there," Claus stated, referring to Onett.
"Yeah..." I mumbled.
"Can't wait to see the look on their faces!" he exclaimed.
Neither can I.
What Claus meant was to surprise our boyfriends when we arrive at Onett. I felt guilty thinking how if I were to make Ness feel any shock or ecstasy later when he sees me, but Claus said a surprise reunion is the most romantic reunion, so he says from looking on the internet. I went along for now, which was why I told Ness I was studying last night, when I was really just playing a video game as Claus drove the both of us across the country in his car.
I told Claus we should have flown on airplane to Onett instead, but Claus didn't feel like using a rental car to get around in town; he preferred keeping his current car, too. I suggested our other friends, like Kumatora and Duster, but he didn't want to bother them, even though I felt that they would have enjoyed our return. And our boyfriends were out of the question, since that would ruin the surprise plan.
I looked in the back of the car, reexamining the items stored for our move. Two suitcases full of clothes sat behind our seats. It was only packed with what we could wear in the present; the rest of the clothes had been donated to a charity in Fourside. Other belongings, such as Claus' computer set, his game consoles, my laptop, and then necessary provisions like a pack of water bottles, a small icebox for snacks, and long-lasting favorite canned foods sat in the car seats. Miscellaneous items like first-aid and medicine, college materials such as books, bathroom supplies, fine china, family photos, a laundry basket, and others filled the car's trunk.
Furniture that was foreign to our apartment was given away to friends, or also donated, or just hauled into trash. The only giant item that could fit in the car was a small coffee table, but we didn't need it at all.
Claus left to use the resting area's bathroom and wash his face. Once Claus returned, I also exited the car to use the restroom as well. Arriving back, I took a yogurt bar from the icebag and snacked on it as Claus reassured that everything was in place and safe from the danger of the car's movement.
He got back in his seat and made final checks. Once set, he started the car engine.
"Ready to go?" he asked me. "Just about an hour left till we get to Onett."
"I'm ready," I answered.
And boy, was I ever ready.
We headed back onto the lonely road. I continued playing on my portable game console as Claus drove the both of us. It was a long hour, but once we saw the sign, "Welcome to Onett," I shut off my game and watched the scenery. The beautiful grassy fields full of flower patches, the sight of happy children and adults, and the calmness of peacefully scattered residences made me reminisce everything I missed about this town.
Claus continued to drive and make his away around the town, despite driving around in Onett for the first time. He actually knew where he was going, but I didn't know where he was taking us at all. We had seemed to be heading to a fancy neighborhood; brick walls were home fences, and the two-story houses looked like they had been recently refurbished.
"Where are we going?" I asked Claus.
"Ninten's house," he said.
"Oh," I responded. "But I thought his home was in our old neighborhood?"
"He got his own house like Ness. They both live near each other too, and it's also near the university."
"Is he home?" I asked.
"Well, he doesn't have classes on Saturday, so unless he's out on a walk or something this early, then he should be home."
"I see..." I felt like everything was perfect. Ness and Ninten living close to each other? And near the university too? If we could only live with them now, then not only would educational life be perfect, but our love lives as well.
We continued rolling past cars and streets, until Claus finally made a turn into one particularly stylish neighborhood. The houses were slightly larger than the others, and decorated with more than just plain colors; the windows were also oval and made with fine wood and glass, uncommon to our daily lives.
We finally ceased the car, stopping before the garage of a brick house under a gray roof. Claus quickly got out of his seat and rummaged through the trunk, as if looking for something.
"This is Ninten's house?" I asked, examining the home.
"Yep." He continued looking through the mass of items.
"What're you looking for?"
"A present I got for Ninten," he replied. He took out a white box wrapped with a red ribbon. "Carry it for now," he said to me. We walked to the house door. Claus took out his cellphone and called someone.
"Hello?" said the voice.
"Hey babe," Claus said to the phone. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Um, sure, what is it?"
"Okay, first step, go open your front door."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
"Uh...okay?"
We waited for the door to be opened as anxiety built up. Sweat began to form all over my body, and my mind almost burst from waiting so nervously. I didn't know why I should be so nervous to meet Ninten again. I've only talked to him for a few times before, so I should be happy wanting to see him again. Perhaps it was the guilt of surprising them that was still getting to me.
Soon, the lock clicked. We jumped at that moment and calmed down quickly, waiting to see the result...
Ninten, with his phone at his ear, had widened eyes when he took a look at us from top to bottom. He had nothing to say from his open mouth. He continued to stare at Claus, making no motion. He continued to be still like so, unable to react.
"..." Claus grinned. "Now, hang up the phone and hug me."
Ninten ended the call.
"CLAUSY!" He tackled Claus with so much force that they both fell to the ground.
"Oof!" Claus hit the ground with a loud impact, but despite the pain, he wrapped his arms around Ninten as closely and tightly as he could.
"I missed you, babe," Claus said.
Ninten began his shock, "I missed you so much too—wait oh my god what're you doing here—gah—Clausy don't you dare scare me like that again—you should've told me!"
Claus laughed as Ninten continued, "All right, all right, I'm sorry. I just wanted to surprise you. ...You're not mad, are you?"
Ninten smiled, "Of course not." Then, he kissed him. The pleased look on Claus' face told me he was waiting a long time to feel that again.
"Can you get off now?" Claus asked.
Ninten replied, "Nope."
"..." Claus looked at me, begging for help. Still hiding the present behind me, I walked over and tapped Ninten's shoulder.
"Hi," I said to him.
"Lucas!" He got off of Claus and hugged me. "I missed you too!"
"Nice to see you again, Ninten," I said.
"Same here." Ninten loosened his grip and looked at the both of us. "So, what're you guys doing here?"
Claus wrapped an arm around him, "Well, if you don't mind...we're deciding to live here."
"H-Here?" Ninten repeated. "In Onett?"
"Yeah. Lucas will live with Ness, and I'll live with you."
"M-Me and y-you? T-Together?" Ninten's face lit a faint pink.
"That's okay, right?" Claus reassured.
"O-Oh, y-yeah, of course!" he answered.
"You don't sound like it's okay," I stated.
"Well...it's just so sudden, you should've told me so I could've prepare for you guys." Ninten squeezed Claus tighter. "Well, I don't wanna keep you guys out here any longer; come on in!"
As Ninten walked inside, Claus took the present from my back and went up to him. "Ninten," Claus called.
"Yes?" he responded.
"I got something for you." He held the box out, surprising Ninten again.
"Oh, Clausy...! Is this—"
"Yep."
"The thing that—"
"Yep."
"You didn't have to!"
"I wanted to." Claus kissed him again. I suspected that they both knew what was inside the box.
We walked inside Ninten's home. He led us to the living room couch before he walked off to a small hallway.
"I'll be right back, I'm gonna change," he stated. He went into another room and locked it. I relaxed on the sofa's cushion as we waited for him. I closed my eyes, and mind drifted off thinking about that one boy...
What was he like right now?
If Ninten were his twin, then he would have somewhat messier hair and a slightly matured face. His eyes would shine a greater shade of charming purple, and he would most likely have the same personality he had four years ago—sensitive, protecting, and loving.
"So what do you think Ness will be like?" Claus asked, as if he read my mind.
"Just like how I always loved him," I replied. "I can't wait to see how much he's changed, though."
"We're gonna go visit him soon, don't worry."
"Really?"
"As soon as Ninten finishes. I'll ask him if he wants to come along."
I made an eager smile, and silently asked Ninten to hurry up. Moments later as Claus examined the house, Ninten came out of the room, wearing a gray jacket and dark blue jeans. Though, aside from the clothing, his older appearance was the same as always—shaggy black hair and a smile of glee to go along with everyday. What I did notice different about him was that he was wearing a silver necklace, something that he didn't have when I first saw his neck minutes ago. I didn't know if it was a locket, since the length sank behind his jacket.
"Okay, now we can hang out," Ninten said.
"Before that," Claus mentioned, "can we go see Ness?"
"Oh, definitely!" responded Ninten. He came over to me and whispered to my ear, "You're going to love how he is right now."
I giggled at the thought. "Okay."
"Where does he live?" asked Claus. "If it's far, I gotta refill my car's gas tank."
"Oh, don't worry Clausy, he only lives four houses away; we can just walk there."
"Oh, that's good." Claus began walking out the front door, with us following behind. After Ninten locked it, we headed west on the sidewalk towards Ness' home. Skipping three houses with ease, we made it to Ness' home: bricks of white color and a blackened roof.
Ninten let go of Claus' arm and skipped to the door, twirling once in the process.
"Silly as always," Claus mumbled.
"Who's silly?" asked Ninten. He kissed Claus' cheek and snuggled up to him. They both chuckled together again.
I grew tired of feeling left out, so I neared my finger to the doorbell. I paused, though, unsure of what to say when we meet. The guilt of surprise was enough, but to bear the remorse without anything to say to him felt more painful.
"Wait, Lucas," Ninten said. "Let's surprise him properly." He pulled out his cellphone and called someone.
"Hello?" said the voice. It sounded just like Ness' voice over the phone.
"Can I come inside your house?"
"Oh, you're outside? Yeah, you can come in. I'm in my room."
"Okay!"
Ninten shut his phone, pulled out a key and slid it in the door. Then, he opened it gently.
"Come in, but be quiet," Ninten said. We followed Ninten inside, meeting the contents of Ness' home.
First was the living room. Navy-blue carpet and white walls were the base of the design. In front of us were two plush sofas in a backwards L-shape near the large-sized television, along with a mass mess of video games and consoles on the ground near it. On the left was a small path—the wall was cut in the middle for fancy purposes. On our immediate right was a small hallway. The bathroom was found with one small glance to an open door on the left, and at the end was an empty bedroom, probably for guests.
The tour would have to continue later, as Ninten directed us to sit down and wait while he went to go get Ness. He went into the path on our left, going to the end of the hall and knocking on a door loudly.
"Ness! I'm here!" shouted Ninten.
Music suddenly blared louder from a room, making the conversation between the two boys beyond unclear. In a moment, the music suddenly decreased in volume into nothing, and their conversation became more audible.
"Come out here, I've got a surprise for you," Ninten said.
"What is it?" said the familiar voice. "It's not something explosive like last time, is it? I had to get a new refrigerator because of you."
"Oh, it's much better, don't worry! You'll love it."
"How much will I love it?"
"You might die from happiness."
"...I'm scared now."
"I promise, it's nothing bad!"
"...Fine." A door softly slammed. Ninten appeared from the open gap in the wall, directed his hand at us, and smiled. Immediately, another boy appeared from the gap. When he saw our faces, his mouth dropped, and his eyes widened.
"No way..." he said.
"Guess who came back?" Ninten said.
I stood up so he could get a better look at me. Ness looked like he wanted to jump through the gap right now, but instead he walked out of the hallway and stopped, examining me again.
"L-Luke...?!" he whispered.
I nodded, "I'm back, Ness."
A big grin immediately took over Ness' expression.
"Luke!"
I smiled happily as well. We ran the short distance towards each other, but in the end, he picked me up and spun me around. He held me closely and tightly as I did. When the spinning stopped, we continued to hold onto each other.
"L-Luke...I can't believe you're here!" he said. He pulled away for a moment. "Th-This isn't a dream, right? You're real? You're right here in front of me?!"
"Yes, yes, I'm here!" I said, followed by a small giggle.
"N-No way...I gotta be dreaming," Ness said.
"It's real for sure," Ninten stated.
"I'm here too, you know," Claus said.
"Claus?" Ness questioned. He waved back. Ness took another look at me. "Lucas...you're really here..."
I giggled again, admiring his silliness. "Will this help?" I said, before pulling him down for a kiss. We stood there, lips locked still but fiery passion, for a long while, cherishing every bit of the reunion.
He pulled back to catch his breath. "Luke...I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too," I responded.
"But wait, what are you doing here? I thought you said you were studying last night..."
"Sorry, I lied..." I began, "...the truth is...well..."
Claus stood up and walked to us. "Truth is, we were actually on our way to Onett last night. We're going to live here from now on."
"Seriously?!" Ness exclaimed.
"Yep," answered Claus, "we transferred to the university here."
"So where are you gonna be staying?" asked Ness.
Ninten came up to Claus and clung onto his arm. "Take a big guess," he said.
When Ness began to realize what Ninten was implying, he looked at me. "Really? You're—"
I nodded, believing I was on the same page as everyone.
Claus finally made it clear, "I'll be living with Ninten from now on, and Lucas can live with you—if that's okay."
"Oh hell yeah, of course it's okay!" Ness exclaimed as he hugged me tightly.
"Well, why don't we go ahead and catch up with our boyfriends?" Ninten suggested. "Let's go back to my house Clausy, I wanna show you some stuff!"
"Okay, babe," Claus agreed. "I'll get Lucas' suitcase and stuff here later," he said to Ness.
"All right, just tell me when and I'll help bring them."
Claus and Ninten left the house and began walking back to their home. Ness led me to the couch and we sat down together. I stared into his beautiful, purple eyes until he started the conversation.
"So, how's everything?" he asked. "Any problems with college?"
"Not really," I said. "How about you?"
"I've been doing great," he replied. "Still playing baseball, and I'm still a captain."
"I expected nothing less," I said, caressing his cheek. He giggled and kissed my forehead.
"How was Fourside?" he questioned.
"Pretty nice," I answered. "It was peaceful."
"Was" peaceful for sure. That was when I remembered bad memories in an instant. I tried not to show my moment of shock.
"Cool," Ness said.
"How's life in Onett?" I asked.
"Lonely without you," he replied.
"Aw, Ness..." Blushing, I leaned against his shoulder.
"Everything's better now, though...much better." He wrapped me closer to him. We sat still like that for a moment, and it was not only relaxing, but pleasurable. I sniffed his scent; it was way different years ago—it had a masculine feel, and no doubt it fit Ness pretty well. He could see that I was enjoying it.
"Hey," he said. "You're still wearing it." He looked down at my neck, referring to the necklace. I pulled it out and showed it to him.
"Of course," I responded. I held the locket in my hand, remembering the day that one boy gave it to me. Every day after I moved to Fourside, I always looked back at the necklace whenever i felt sad, remembering how much love was put into the necklace. The thought of us together always made me smile.
Ness opened the necklace locket and stared at the picture of us. He gazed at it as if he was under hypnosis, so I couldn't tell if he was enjoying a memory or just blanked out.
"Ness?" I said.
"Oh, sorry. It's just that..." Ness closed the locket and held me closer, "...I missed our early days together."
"Yeah...I do too," I agreed. "But all's better now, right?" I lightly jerked his head closer to me.
"Definitely." He kissed me again, ending it with smiles on both of our faces.
Our time together continued on. After Claus and Ninten spent their reunion together, we went out in Ness' car to eat lunch at a restaurant—Ninten's treat at that. It was an expensive restaurant too, which needed a reservation, so the on-the-door cost was high. I asked Ninten how he was so rich, and it was because he was now an apprentice detective, working undercover for his dad when necessary. He was only an on-call detective, meaning he had to go to work only if other detectives were busy with other things. Regardless whether he was working or not, he was still being paid, and by a large amount at that.
Later, we all unpacked our belongings from Claus' car. I moved my suitcase and my other belongings into Ness' house, sorting them into their appropriate places. The clothes had to be reorganized in Ness' room closet, since that was where we both decided I was going to sleep.
In the evening, Ness decided to create dinner for me, leaving Ninten to cook for Claus. We were in our separate homes for the time, making the night more romantic. And to our surprise, they made omelets for the both of us. However, the first bite I took tasted heavenly. I gorged dinner quickly, almost depressed that there was no more on my plate after finishing, but Ness decided to cook another omelet just to please me.
A black night began to take over the sky, meaning it was time to head to bed. I brushed my teeth and took a bath to wash away the tiring, long day. When I came back into Ness' room, he was sitting on the left side of the bed with only an undershirt and his boxers.
"Ready to sleep?" he said.
"Y-Yeah," I said. I walked closer to him, examining his body in the process. "You don't wear pajamas anymore?"
"Nope, being in my underwear is more comfortable," he answered. "You should try it too."
My face lit a brighter pink. "You just want me in my underwear, that's all."
"Maybe," Ness sang. "You still wear briefs, don't you?"
I looked away, "Maybe."
We both chuckled as Ness ducked under the blanket and tapped the pillow next to him. I climbed into the bed, embracing Ness close with my arms. Ness turned off the lamp on his side and threw an arm around me.
"Hey Luke," he whispered.
"Yeah?" I replied.
"Is...everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes, what do you mean?" I answered.
"You know...your parents." A few images popped up in my head when he said that word.
"I don't wanna talk about it," I immediately replied.
"Oh...I'm sorry," he said. He hugged me closer.
"It's okay," I whispered to him. "I feel a lot better now that I'm here with you."
"Good." He caressed my cheek gently. "Remember that I'll always be there for you, Luke."
I nodded, "I know."
"And remember that I'll do anything for you," he added.
I giggled, "I know."
Everything was silent again. As Ness continued to caress the back of my head, my eyes began to shut on their own. "Sleepy..." I whispered. Ness placed my head at his chest, accelerating my path to slumber.
"G'night, Luke. I love you." He kissed my head again.
I weakly muffled back, "I love you too. ...Good night."
I blacked out into sleep.